Where Roots Speak Louder Than Words Written by Flaka Krivanjeva, a proud OriginAL alumna residing in Kosovë. A Journey Begins: The Call of OriginAL OriginAL wasn’t just a program. It was a quiet calling, an invitation to see my homeland through new eyes. Not just my own, but through the hearts of those born far […]
A Message from Kosovë: My OriginAL Story Read More »
Written by Aurela Selimi, 7th cohort August 2025 As an Albanian, third-generation from Paris, and I’m so excited to share my experience as part of the 7th generation of Original, August 2025. This journey was unlike anything I’ve ever lived before. Honestly, I was really nervous about starting the program. I was also super excited because
From Paris and Kërçova to OriginAL Read More »
Written by Mert GÜN ZHINIPOTOKU. Being part of the Albanian diaspora in Türkiye came with certain challenges. Even though we weren’t physically far from the motherland, we often felt distant from it. We spoke Albanian to some extent and tried to keep our traditions alive, but there was always a sense of separation. Growing up
3rd generation born and raised in Türkiye, originally from Kosova. Read More »
Thirty-nine participants from eighteen states, including youth from North Macedonia and Kosova, came together in August 2025 for the 7th cohort of OriginAL. Their journey began in Prishtina, where team-building activities at the Innovation Centre Kosovo and a guided city tour set the tone for connection and discovery. In Prekaz, participants stood in silence as
OriginAL 2025 – The 7th Cohort Story Read More »
GERMIN invites you to a unique evening of connection, culture, and purpose — for the first time in Zurich! This special gathering supports our flagship program, OriginAL, which reconnects Albanian youth from the diaspora with their roots through transformative experiences in their countries of origin. Join us on 3 October at SOHO Zurich for an
“Roots that Unite Us” – OriginAL Networking Night Read More »
Written by Vlera Beqiri, OriginAL alumni, June 2025 In June 2025, I had the great privilege of participating in the program OriginAL for diaspora youth powered by Germin and The Global Albanians Foundation. Today, I would love to share my story and experiences with the program. Ever since I was a child, I always looked
Vlera’s OriginAL Journey Read More »
Written by Rose Salijevska, OriginAL Alumni, June 2025 Last Month, I had the chance to join OriginAL a program powered by GERMIN and the The Global Albanians Foundation that helps Albanian diaspora youth connect with their roots through history, culture, and community across Kosovo and Albania. Before beginning my journey with OriginAL, my intention was
OriginAL’s 6th Cohort: A journey united by heritage! Read More »
What happens when 36 young Albanians from 13 countries come together to explore the lands of their ancestors? You get OriginAL — a two-week journey filled with connection, discovery, and moments that stay with you long after the suitcases are unpacked. It all kicked off in Prishtina, where the energy was contagious and the anticipation
Rooted Together: The OriginAL 2025 Journey Across Kosova and Albania Read More »
OriginAL has become more than just a trip for the fourth year since its inception – a call to return to the roots, a personal journey to discovering oneself. The 2025 application cycle again demonstrated this, as hundreds of young Albanians worldwide expressed a clear goal: to connect with their ethnic and cultural heritage. That
The Story Behind OriginAL 2025 Participants Read More »
OriginAL, a joint initiative by GERMIN and the Global Albanians Foundation, emerged as a transformative program connecting young Albanians worldwide to their roots in Kosovo and Albania. With over 1,000 applications received and participants from 25 countries, OriginAL has grown into a global platform fostering cultural connection and pride. Over the past three years, the
2024: A Landmark Year for OriginAL Read More »
Application will open on May 25th, 2022.
Aplikimi hapet më datë 25 Maj, 2022.